Preparing to excavate the Artillery foundation in the Central area of ​​Thang Long Imperial Citadel

Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hoang Dao Cuong has just signed a decision on archaeological excavation.

The decision allows the Thang Long - Hanoi Heritage Conservation Center to coordinate with the Institute of Archaeology to conduct archaeological excavations at the Artillery Base (CT04) in the Central Area of ​​Thang Long Imperial Citadel with an excavation area of ​​580m2 from May 16 to December 24, 2025. The excavation is chaired by Mr. Ha Van Can, Institute of Archaeology.

Before conducting archaeological excavations, the Thang Long - Hanoi Heritage Conservation Center needs to report to the Hanoi People's Committee for permission to coordinate with relevant agencies to fully document, collect, arrange and store during the demolition process (CT04) to keep complete records, creating conditions for future research.

During archaeological excavations, licensed agencies must pay attention to protecting the stratigraphy of the relic; are responsible for promoting the protection of cultural heritage, and not announce official conclusions without the agreement of the competent authority and the Department of Cultural Heritage.

The Thang Long - Hanoi Heritage Conservation Center must be responsible for preserving and reporting to the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism on plans to protect and promote the value of these artifacts collected during archaeological excavations.

For the Foundation of the Department of Operations (CT17), the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will consider and grant an archaeological excavation license when the content of the demolition of the CT17 project is consistent with the Detailed Plan for Conservation, Restoration and Promotion of the Value of the Central Relic Site of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long (scale 1/500) after being approved by the competent authority for adjustment and supplementation.

After the completion of the archaeological excavation, the Thang Long - Hanoi Heritage Conservation Center and the Institute of Archaeology must have a preliminary report and propose a plan for management and protection of the archaeological excavation area within 1 month at the latest and a scientific report within 1 year at the latest, sent to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Before announcing the results of the archaeological excavation, the agency granted the license must discuss and reach an agreement with the Department of Cultural Heritage.

Previously, the Hanoi Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism sent an official dispatch to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Department of Cultural Heritage regarding the request for a license to conduct archaeological excavations at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel Center in 2025.

The Department proposed the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Department of Cultural Heritage to grant a license for archaeological excavations at the Central Area of ​​the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long - Hanoi at two locations, including Excavation Pit No. 1 (H1) in a nearly L-shaped shape, including the entire Artillery House foundation (CT04) located in the middle of the current Kinh Thien Palace foundation, with an area of ​​580m2, and Excavation Pit No. 2 (H2) located at the foundation of the Department of Operations, with an area of ​​415m2.

The objective of the work is to enhance understanding of the heritage site and determine the core history of Kinh Thien Palace, continuing to consolidate the scientific basis for research and restoration of the main space of Kinh Thien Palace in the Central Relic Site of Thang Long Imperial Citadel.

Minh Trang

Source: https://baophapluat.vn/chuan-bi-khai-quat-nen-nha-phao-binh-thuoc-khu-trung-tam-hoang-thanh-thang-long-post548390.html